With many recruiters screening social media to find the right employees, it’s now more important than ever to know how to present yourself on social media.
Here’s a look at how social media plays into recruitment, and how to present yourself on social media in a way that will help you attract employers, not scare them away.
Employment and social media
Your social media profiles can have a major impact on your employability, so it’s important to be social media savvy and consider your online presence when you’re applying for jobs.
Here are some things to consider when presenting yourself online:
Do employers check social media?
Yes, they do. And although pre-employment social media screeningisn’t quite a universal practice, it’salways worth assuming that your accounts are getting a read-through.
Employers screening social media – what do they look for?
When presenting yourself on social media with the goal of finding your next job, make sure your profile is complete with the most relevant information. For example, your LinkedIn profile should mirror that of your CV with complete employment history, skillset and works.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that if you have dormant accounts then you should look at either re-activating or deactivating them. You don’t want employers looking at your Twitter or Instagram feeds to find that you don’t use them. If they aren't doing anything, bin them.
Finally, ensure that your social profiles match the image you wish to portray to potential employers.
Engage with content and your network
The vast majority of employers look through candidates’ social media profiles as part of the hiring process. Be sure that you’re not oversharing (personal information!) but instead using the platforms to help build your personal profile, whether this is to do with work or not.
To keep your personal and professional lives separate, use the privacy settings on different social media platforms. That way you can choose what type of content you share with your friends and family while keeping your profile professional.
Our advice would be to position yourself as somebody with a thirst for knowledge, someone eager to learn and you can do this by engaging and sharing news/stories that are of interest to you. You should also engage in conversations with likeminded people so that you can build your networks.
Be respectful to others
A lot can be said by how you act on social media. It’s important that you articulate any views and opinions you have in an objective manner. ‘Trolling’ or attacking people is never a good look – remember to treat people the sameas you expect to be treated.
If you would like any further advice or support when it comes to your personal social media, please get in touch with us.
